Super Eagles Withdraw from 2025 AFCON Qualifier After Libyan Airport Crisis: NFF Responds

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially withdrawn the Super Eagles from their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya after a harrowing experience at Al Abraq Airport. 

The team was left stranded for over 12 hours upon arrival, facing neglect from Libyan authorities, which led to their decision not to proceed with the match.

In a statement released on Monday by the NFF Communications Department, it was confirmed that the Super Eagles were not attended to upon landing at the Al Abraq Airport. 

A video shared by the team’s media personnel also showed the players and officials, along with their luggage, stranded at the airport with no assistance or reception from the Libyan side.

The Super Eagles had departed for Libya on Sunday, expecting to play their matchday 4 qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights at the 10,000-capacity Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benghazi. 

However, their chartered ValueJet aircraft was unexpectedly diverted to Al Abraq International Airport, a location typically reserved for hajj operations and far from their intended destination.

The NFF revealed in its statement that the diversion created significant logistical challenges, leaving fatigued players and officials without transportation or accommodation for hours. 

The Libyan Football Federation failed to provide any reception or assistance, further complicating the situation.

With no resolution in sight, the Super Eagles decided to withdraw from the match, and NFF officials are now working on arrangements to fly the team back home.

Nigeria had previously secured a 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo, thanks to a late goal by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

#SuperEagles #AFCON2025 #NFF #LibyanAirportOrdeal #NigeriaVsLibya #FootballNews #SportsCrisis #AfricaCupOfNations